Four of the car break-ins happened in the 1100 Block of Eagle Park Road. Five others took place in the 200 Block of Brook Green Lane, the 1500 Block of Southern Drive, the 200 Block of Highland View Drive, the 300 Block of Brook Geen Lane and the 1600 Block of Indian Springs Lane.

Deputies were dispatched about 3 a.m. to the 5500 block of Parkside Drive to investigate a report of a person with a weapon. The suspect left the area in a white Acura before the deputies arrived.

A short while later, a vehicle matching the suspect's car description was seen traveling Cahaba Valley Trace. The driver of that vehicle refused to stop, and deputies gave chase. The driver lost control and crashed. Two black males fled on foot. Deputies learned the Acura had been reported stolen out of Pelham.

Deputies, joined by Hoover and Pelham police officers, set up a perimeter and launched their search. At 5:37 a.m., the sheriff's office received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence in the 1100 block of Eagle Park road. Deputies went to the home, and were told the stolen vehicle was a black 2009 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado. Also, authorities said, numerous vehicles had been burglarized.

The truck had a hunting rifle in it. Authorities said they believe the two fleeing suspects stole that truck. The truck was later found by Birmingham police on Seventh Avenue in Wylam. The hunting rifle was missing from the truck.

"Sheriff's deputies and investigators are still in the area and more reports are still coming in as residents discover additional cars broken into. Three handguns, one hunting rifle and one I-Pod have been reported stolen so far," the sheriff's office reported in an update this afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's officials at 205-669-4181, through the Secret Witness Line at 205-669-9116 or through the website at www.ShelbySo.com by clicking on the "Report Criminal Activity" link and choosing the "General Information" Category.